2025 Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV Review

The D-segment MPV category in the Malaysian market has always attracted attention for its practicality and family-friendly adaptability. However, in recent years, consumers have shown a significantly increased demand for a combination of "spaciousness, low fuel consumption, and smart configurations." The 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is designed to address this need: as the brand's first plug-in hybrid MPV to enter the local D-segment market, it features a core offering of 90km pure electric range, 279PS combined power, and a 6-seat layout. It not only addresses the issue of daily commuting fuel costs but also balances the practicality of multi-person travel. The core focus of this test is to verify whether it truly meets family users' expectations in terms of power responsiveness, space utilization, and intelligent configurations.

In terms of exterior design, the Tiggo 8 PHEV follows a stable yet grand aesthetic. Its overall lines are smooth and sleek without appearing bulky. At the front, a large black honeycomb grille is paired with a horizontal LED daytime running light, visually extending its width. Below, the chromed trim and angular fog lamp area add a touch of sportiness. On the side, the 2710mm wheelbase is reflected in the flowing waistline and well-proportioned sliding door. The 19-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 235/50 R19 tires give an impression of stability and harmony. For the rear, the standout feature is the transverse LED taillight, which has high recognition when illuminated. The hidden exhaust layout below, combined with a silver skid plate, further emphasizes its family-oriented positioning. The entire exterior design avoids unnecessary flashy elements, aligning well with the family-friendly theme of a D-segment MPV.

The interior materials and layout are one of Tiggo 8 PHEV's strengths. The center console is covered in soft-touch materials with faux leather stitching, providing a refined tactile experience. The 15.6-inch floating touchscreen serves as the visual centerpiece, with excellent screen resolution and response speed; built-in CarPlay and Android Auto add to its practicality. The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel delivers clear display and supports various information modes like power flow and range. For features, the front seats are equipped with 6-way electrically adjustable driver seat and 4-way electrically adjustable passenger seat, both with heating functions. The second row features independent seats with armrests and adjustable headrests; the wide passage in between facilitates access to the third row. For third-row passengers with a height of 170cm, there is about one fist's worth of legroom and headroom, making short trips comfortable. In terms of storage space, the front central armrest box has a large capacity, and the door storage slots can accommodate two 500ml water bottles. When the third-row seats are folded down, the trunk expands to approximately 1800 liters, spacious enough for a stroller and suitcases with ease.

In terms of performance, the Tiggo 8 PHEV is equipped with a combination of a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a total system power of 279PS and a total torque of 365N·m. During daily commutes in pure electric mode, starting and acceleration are smooth, and the 204PS motor power is sufficient to handle urban road conditions, with a top speed reaching 130km/h. When switching to hybrid mode, both the engine and motor work together to deliver quick power response during hard acceleration, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of about 8.5 seconds, which is remarkable for a 1.9-ton MPV. There are three driving modes to choose from: ECO, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle sensitivity is significantly enhanced, making it suitable for highway overtaking.

In terms of handling, the Tiggo 8 PHEV features a front MacPherson + rear multi-link independent suspension tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can filter out most of the fine vibrations, without any noticeable stiffness. The steering wheel has a moderate level of resistance, with minimal play. It feels light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, offering precise handling. The vehicle's stability control performs well, suppressing body roll effectively during cornering without any sense of swaying. Regarding fuel consumption and range, the pure electric mode provides a tested range of approximately 82 km, achieving a success rate of nearly 90%. In hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is about 5.2L/100km, which makes it cost-effective for users who often commute short distances, essentially achieving 'electric for city and fuel for long-distance' usage with clear cost advantages.

In terms of driving comfort details, the NVH control of the Tiggo 8 PHEV is commendable. In pure electric mode, there is almost no noise, and the engine noise is also relatively slight when it engages in hybrid mode. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are kept within a reasonable range. The seat cushions are soft but supportive enough to ensure comfort during long journeys. As for smart safety features, the inclusion of ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking adds great practicality, significantly reducing driving fatigue during daily use.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV lies in its 'balance': the 90 km pure electric range covers most daily commutes, and the combined 279 PS power output meets the needs of family trips. Its 6-seater configuration and ample storage space cater to various scenarios. Coupled with features like the 15.6-inch large screen and Sony 10-speaker sound system, it offers a significantly better value for money compared to MPVs in the same class (such as the fuel-powered Toyota Alphard or Honda Odyssey). For the price of 159,800 MYR, you get a plug-in hybrid system, L2-level assisted driving, and 8 airbags—features that are rare in fuel-powered cars of the same class.

This car is most suitable for families focusing on 'cost + space + comfort', such as those with two children or who frequently travel with elderly family members. It satisfies the need for low-cost daily commuting while also accommodating short weekend trips with multiple passengers. At the same time, its smart features and performance are likely to attract younger families with a preference for technology.

In summary, the 2025 Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV is a 'well-rounded' family-oriented MPV. It addresses fuel consumption concerns with its plug-in hybrid system, meets family needs with its 6-seater space, and offers a wealth of features. It is a highly recommended choice in its price range.